Amwell & Rye Meads 8th September 2007
This was our first trip of the new season and ten members attended.
Our first stop was at the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust reserve at Amwell Gravel Pits.
Parking in Amwell Lane, we crossed the railway line and entered the woodland area where we had good views of a Spotted Flycatcher. Also of note was a Bullfinch as well as the usual woodland birds. Continuing through the wood we walked along the track that once held the conveyor belt which transported the gravel from the pit across the rail track. Unfortunately we could not get clear views of this pit as the surrounding trees were in full leaf. (In the winter this track is very good for Siskin & Redpoll).
We crossed the River Lea to the gravel pit area. The usual water birds were seen as we made our way to the viewing area.
From here we saw five species of duck. A Snipe was a good spot and well camouflaged amongst the Lapwing. A Hobby was perched in the trees beyond the reserve area.
We left Amwell and set off for Rye Meads RSPB Reserve. We sat in the hide in the car park to eat our lunch.
From the first hide inside the reserve we saw a female Garganey, Little Grebe plus many ducks. The wader of note was Green Sandpiper, which is a traditional bird on this reserve.
From the second hide a maximum of six Green Sandpipers were seen at one time, foraging
in the mud. Whilst watching these birds a Kingfisher flew by. This was excellent
following our talk on this bird at our previous monthly meeting. Later, perched on
a tern raft in one of the other pools, was a Yellow-
This trip was a great start to our new season of trips.
Dave Jones (photo -
Teazle at Amwell